Q&A: Bulgaria's parliamentary elections

Mass protests in February led to the resignation of the government

Bulgarians go to the polls on 12 May in an early election after nationwide protests against low living standards and widespread corruption forced the government of the centre-right Gerb party to resign in February.

The election campaign has been marred by revelations of illegal wiretapping of politicians, with prosecutors pointing a finger of blame at Gerb's second most senior politician, former Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov.

Opinion polls have predicted that no party will win an outright majority, prompting fears of a hung parliament and further instability in the EU's poorest country.

Who is likely to be in parliament?

The bugging scandal is putting pressure on ex-Prime Minister Boiko Borisov

How significant is the eavesdropping scandal?

BSP leader Sergei Stanishev

Who will form the new government?

Former EU Comissioner Meglena Kuneva leads the Bulgaria of the Citizens party

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